A female ostrich died suddenly was submitted to the autopsy and the gross lesions observedwere hematoma in the pericardiac cavity, concentrical hypertrophy of the left ventricle, dissecting aortic aneurysmof thoracic segment and pulmonary hemorrhage. After histopathologic studies and hepatic cooper concentration,we had consider arterial hypertension as the major factor of risk to the aortic dissection.Um avestruz fêmea, vítima de morte súbita, foi submetido à necropsia em que foram observados,macroscopicamente, hematoma na cavidade pericárdica, hipertrofia concêntrica do ventrículo esquerdo, hematomaintramural dissecante da aorta proximal e hemorragia pulmonar. Após estudos histopatológicos e dosagem daconcentra o do cobre hepático, considerou-se a hipertens o arterial como principal fator de risco para a dissec oaórtica.
